Australian Academy of Science Newsletter 167

Australian Academy of Science Newsletter December 2022 Number 167

Chennupati Jagadish

Message from the President

I thank all involved in the Academy’s work for their sustained energy and commitment over the year.

At the centre of science: 2022 in review

It's been another eventful year as we continued to support and celebrate excellence in Australian science. See our month-by-month snapshot of 2022.

Australia’s leading scientists welcome government response to Samuel review

Australia has one of the worst records of species extinctions of any continent and reform is desperately needed.

Maths problem: review finds shortage of teachers and researchers

The review includes recommendations to improve school, university and policy outcomes.

Illegal drug regulation in Australia: ‘It’s almost unethical not to revisit this’

Australia continues to treat addiction as a criminal act rather than a health issue.

Stories for summer: Academy Fellows reveal their reading, listening and viewing recommendations

You can’t go past these fascinating recommendations by Australia’s leading scientists.

Elephants, buffalo and baboons: the wild side of the Graeme Caughley Travelling Fellowship

Dr Benjamin Allen says the benefits of the fellowship are “immeasurable”.

‘Pure joy’: nine marine, soil and plant biologists awarded 2023 Thomas Davies Research Grants

Dr Onoriode Coast said that learning he had been awarded the grant was “pure joy”.

The role of popular astronomy: Moran Award for the History of Science Research 2023

Dr Martin Bush will use the grant to better understand popular science in Australia in the first half of the 20th century.

Using smell to disguise vulnerable plants, and protecting frogs from fire: 2023 Max Day Awards

Two researchers have each received a Max Day award to support their work to protect the environment.

Margaret Middleton Fund recipients to protect fairywrens, mountain frogs and culturally significant species

Three early-career researchers have been awarded funding for ecology projects in 2023.

Wastewater and AI to plan for pandemics: WH Gladstones Population and Environment Fund

Dr Xuan Li will continue her research into population-wide surveillance of COVID-19.

Remembering Dr Alec Costin, the father of Australian high mountain ecology

Dr Costin devoted his life to learning about and protecting Australia’s unique ecosystems.

Significant Macfarlane Burnet archival collection now available online

The Academy’s collection of one of the 20th century’s most outstanding biologists has been digitised.

Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation remains important gateway to science archives

This long-term project in which the Academy has been involved for decades has been reinvented.

Making waves in coral reef science

Isobel Bennett was a pioneer in Australian coral reef biology, devoting her life to marine biology, education and conservation. She is pictured here in the summer of 1963, on board Te Vega during an Indian Ocean expedition. Find out more about the history of science on the Great Barrier Reef in our virtual issue of Historical Records of Australian Science. Photo: Michael Hadfield, University of Hawaii.

‘Making waves: a century of coral reef science’ is the fascinating theme of the latest virtual issue of the Academy’s journal, Historical Records of Australian Science. Virtual issues compile existing journal content on specific topics of interest.

Guest editor for this issue is president of the Australian Coral Reef Society Dr Sarah Hamylton, who in the introduction says the virtual issue acknowledges the hundred-year anniversary of the society which first met as the Great Barrier Reef Committee in 1922.

“The collection reflects on many years of dedication of reef scientists, members and councillors to advancing our understanding of, and protecting, coral reefs,” she says.

“These are exciting times in a disciplinary field with an extraordinary history. I hope you enjoy reading about it.”


National Committee chairs meet to address future challenges

The chairs of the Academy’s 22 National Committees for Science recently met in person for the first time in three years to reflect on recent and future challenges facing science. Chairs connected with colleagues and discussed diversity and inclusion, science policy, diplomacy, communication, transdisciplinary activities and collaboration to overcome Australia’s national and global problems through evidence-based science.

Meetings of the National Committee chairs have adopted an online hybrid model but a return to in-person meetings will continue to strengthen the chairs’ working relationships.

The National Committees for Science represent the disciplinary composition of Australian science. The committees foster the community of a designated branch or theme of natural science in Australia, provide advice on domestic policy, and link Australian and overseas scientists in the same field. Importantly, National Committees advise the Academy’s Council on Australia’s representation for the international scientific unions and multidisciplinary bodies of the International Science Council.


In brief

New Vice-President and Secretary Biological Sciences  

Congratulations to Professor Bob Graham from the Victor Change Cardiac Research Institute who has been elected the Academy’s next Vice-President and Secretary Biological Sciences. Professor Graham will commence his four-year term following the Academy’s AGM in May 2023. He was elected a Fellow of the Academy in 2002 and is currently a member of Council. Professor Graham’s research focuses on molecular cardiology, in particular circulatory control mechanisms, hypertension, receptor signalling and cardiac hypertrophy.

Submissions to government


Opportunities for scientists

Find out more about coming opportunities for scientists:

  • Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund – Strategic Element
  • Visit to the National Institutes of Health in the USA by a junior scientist
  • Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science
  • AOGS Axford Medal
  • The Volvo Environment Prize
  • Lefoulon-Delalande Grand Prize
  • Welch Award in Chemistry
  • Lasker Award
  • Letten Prize
  • Mahathir Science Award
  • Virchow Prize for Global Health

Fellows update

Keep abreast of the Academy Fellowship in the Fellows update​:

  • Honours and awards to Fellows
  • WA events connect Fellows and an Academy partner with EMCRs
  • State memorial for Professor Derek Denton

Gifts and legacies from Fellows and friends have helped the Australian Academy of Science to consolidate its independence.

Support given through general donations is directly responsible for strengthening the Academy’s core activities such as scientific meetings, advice to support policy development, publications, education, public awareness and outreach, international activities, awards and fellowships.

Each time you make a gift through our annual tax or special appeals, you help to make the Academy a vital, viable and visible presence in Australia and around the world.

Learn more about giving to the Academy.

Find out about Celebrate science, which gives you the opportunity to dedicate a virtual copper roof tile of the Shine Dome to an Australian scientist who has made a significant contribution to science.

Donate today


The Honorary editor of the Academy newsletter is Professor Yuri Estrin FAA

 

© 2024 Australian Academy of Science

Top